“How is that even possible?” Fragments of the dream still resonated in my mind, my brother ripping those pages out of that book.
Shaking his head, Dad’s chest rumbled. “Of all things, it was the senior ski trip. He requested his own birth certificate so he could go on the class trip to Canada. I guess your Mom had somehow doctored the one we have at the house. But the records on file don’t lie.”
“That’s crazy.” I gasped. “The one time he ever did anything responsible.”
“No kidding.” Dad honked at a black truck that cut him off. “In a way, the timing was actually a good thing. He knew what was coming, so he tried to protect you.”
My eyes started to mist. The discovery was too fresh. “I just found that out recently. But I don’t get why you didn’t tell me what really happened.”
Dad cleared his throat. “I made a pact with James to keep you in the dark as long as possible. For your own safety.”
With a sigh, I rubbed the knot forming in my temple. “Since Mom is really into Nexis, I understand not telling me right away. But even after the accident, and the postcard? Why didn’t you tell me the truth before I went to Montrose?”
He flicked on his blinker, exiting the highway. “I wanted to, but your mother was too excited. I knew you needed training and education, but I also didn’t think you’d understand the gravity of my secret until you’d been at Montrose for a while.”
“Really? What do you mean by that?” I held my breath, waiting for him to continue.
“Your mother believes James defected to the Guardians on his own after Nexis banished him. She has no idea I’m a Guardian spy. If Nexis ever found out, my life would be in danger.” At the stoplight, he turned to me. His well-worn face was ashen.
“Wow.” I exhaled softly, my mouth a gaping hole. “I had no idea.”
“I know, honey.” He reached out and ruffled my hair as the light turned green. “That’s why I asked my buddy Harlixton to mentor you.”
“Yeah, Mr. Harlixton is great.” I smoothed my hair back into place. “But I still don’t get why you’re a Guardian spy.”
A muscle in his jaw twitched as he hit the accelerator again. “I’ve been a Guardian my entire life, just like the rest of my family. Except I was the stupid one who decided to rebel and marry someone normal. Then Nexis swooped in and recruited your mother. I made the choice to turn double agent so we could all stay together, as a family. Now I can’t help but wonder if everything is my fault.”
“That’s a lot to take in, Dad.” His words were crashing cymbals in my ears and none of it made sense. “Why didn’t you just tell mom about the Guardians when you got married?”
He ran a hand through his thinning hair. “The Guardians said I couldn’t. Once you’re in one of these societies, it’s like your life isn’t your own. That’s why I wanted a normal life when I was your age. And it’s why I want you to remain neutral for as long as possible.”
“I can definitely agree to that.” I stared across the console at him and gnawed on my lip. If he was willing to tell me the truth, I couldn’t hold back anymore. “Do you think my Seer powers can come early?”
“I guess it’s possible.” He shrugged, the corners of his mustache lifting. “Tell me what you’ve been seeing.”
I described to him all the visions I’d had since I started at Montrose Paranormal Academy—everything from James getting banished by Nexis to the angel/demon fight at the Hard Rock. Gulping down a healthy dose of shame, I even told him about the initiation when I dabbled with the dark powers. When I wrapped up my spiel, I felt lighter somehow. It felt good to tell someone the truth.
“I guess it’s my turn to say wow.” At the next stoplight he turned to me with those teddy-bear eyes. “The visions you described sound like passages from my grandmother’s journal. Since she was the last Seer, I’d say it’s possible.”
“Really?” Relief washed over me. “I’m obviously not joining Nexis, after what they did to James and what they could do to you. But do you think I should join the Guardians?”
“It’s your choice, Lucy girl.” He reached across the seat and ruffled my hair again. “However, it might be in your best interest to remain neutral. For now. There’s only one reason your Seer powers might be activated before your eighteenth birthday. It means war between the three societies is coming soon.”
I had no word. Dread crept its way into the pit of my stomach. I lifted my eyes to the clouds, a silent thought stuck to my lips. But I couldn’t keep it to myself.
“Do you think James is okay in Europe?” I whispered, saltwater welling up again.
“I don’t know.” Dad’s eyes glistened, too. “If war is on the horizon, it will probably break out in Europe first. If your brother isn’t on the front lines yet, he will be soon.”
As Dad finally pulled into the driveway, I couldn’t help but picture James is in Europe as fighting broke out in the streets. I shivered and tucked the thought away.
Dad’s voice filtered into my ears, breaking my trance. “Lucy, you have to promise you won’t breathe a word of this to anyone. Not even your sister. If your mother found out, James and I would both be in jeopardy.”
“I know, Dad. I promise I won’t say anything.” My words eeked out softly as I reached for the door handle. I hated what Mom did. Why did she ever join Nexis?
~
“C’mon, Pinky.” Dad rolled my suitcase up the brick path to our yellow-sided home, shadows of dread hovering as dusk settled in. How could I face Mom like nothing ever happened? She must’ve known
